Counterfeit Goods → 🇦🇺 Australia

Full details

Counterfeit Goods import prohibited. Quantity guidance for Australia: Any quantity prohibited under Trade Marks Act 1995; ABF seizes goods — no personal-use exemption. Documentation: No permits available; ABF seizure notice issued. Enforcement in Australia carries fines from AUD 66,600 to AUD 1,665,000 and imprisonment up to 10 years in aggravated cases under Customs Act 1901 s.233A; Criminal Code Act 1995 Part 9.1. Because counterfeit goods is prohibited rather than restricted, there is no permit route for an ordinary traveller — attempted import is treated as smuggling regardless of intent. Arrival checks are carried out by Australian Border Force (ABF); when in doubt use the declare (red) channel — declared goods at worst attract duty or surrender, while undeclared goods attract penalties. Leaving Australia with counterfeit goods is a separate question: prohibited — Counterfeit goods are unlawful to export from Australia — trademark and customs law applies on departure as well as arrival, and carriage risks seizure and fines.

ENFORCEMENT

Active — Customs actively enforces this rule.

Leaving Australia with counterfeit goods

Exporting counterfeit goods from Australia is unlawful under trademark and customs legislation — counterfeits are contraband in both directions, and customs authorities seize them at exit as well as entry. Travellers carrying obviously fake branded goods (even for personal use) risk confiscation universally and fines in many jurisdictions; the EU, US, and others also seize inbound personal counterfeits. Market purchases of imitation goods should be assumed seizable at any border crossed.

SURRENDER AT CUSTOMS

Available. ABF accepts voluntary surrender of counterfeit goods at all airports. Declare at Red Channel. Seizure receipt issued. Voluntary disclosure avoids prosecution under Trade Marks Act 1995 §148.

OFFICIAL SOURCES · VERIFIED 2026-08-22